The old generation of AQ cables are a bunch of crap! My WW Platinum Eclipse 8 IC smoked the AQ Wild Blue Yonder and don’t cost nearly as much.
Good to know.
As for the DH Labs that was mentioned, is there any benefit to using something like their new Silver Sonic HDMI 2.1 which is an optical / traditional conductor hybrid? Or will this even work?
I recently ordered the RAL HDMI for my system. Thought I would feedback my experience.
I was well prepared for what I was facing thanks to several 000 posts on this forum.
Placed my order with Brad on 1/1 with him promising a 7 day turnaround
9 Days later reached out for an update - no response
12 days later I told him he had 2 days to resolve or I would file a dispute with my CC company
He advised he would be shipping in 2 days after burning the cable with a delivery this last Monday
It arrived on Tuesday
Maybe I was lucky or just prepared. Either way a very reasonable turnaround. I also paid full price for the 1.5M though since I didn’t want any reason for him to de-prioritize my order
Cold out of the box it sounded good. Replaces my Harmonic Tech Magic HDMI. Will critically listen around 200 hrs
As others have posted the packing was lacking for a cable that has so many caveats on handling. USPS Priority envelope with cardboard around the velvet pouch
I had asked Brad about the connectors since there were so many negative comments about them. He indicated he had made a recent change in his supplier. I can say it grips tight in my Mano streamer and the DS Sr
YMMV
I also just received my Jay’s Audio CD transport and have it connected to the PS Audio DS DAC with an AQ Thunderbird 48 cable purchased from PS Audio (no shipping and no tax!). Very early days for the cable but so far sounds outstanding. Was using the earlier version of the AQ Vodka which is great bang for the buck.
I was just about to order the RAL HDMI as well but thought I did not want all that hassle with long delivery times and frequent phone calls to the US. So I decided to give the Tubulus Concentus I2S from the Netherlands a try. And this is really an awesome cable. And it was delivered on time .
Compared to my former WW Silver Sphere it delivers just more of everything. Ok, not cheap (actually double the price of the WWSS) but with an outstanding performance. I love it!
Is it possible to purchase the 1/2m HDMI cable that comes with the DMP from PS Audio?
Will receive Concentus i2s today for PS Audio SACD transport/DAC. Currently using AQ Diamond HDMI.
Will be good to hear how it goes!
Waiting for delivery today!
Delayed to Monday?
For those interested The Music Room has a preowned AQ Firebird cable for $799. I believe the cable lists for $1395. Contact Nick for a price.
I am still very satisfied with the Concentus I²S. No need to upgrade. I am sure you will as well!
Hope you are right as I could never find any comparisons to AQ Diamond (have now), Firebird or Dragon.
I did a comparison between Dragon48 and Firebird48 in an early thread there. I also have an AQ Coffee HDMI. Both Dragon and Firebird are big improvements over Coffee.
Saw that comparison, but curious for the performance of the I2s Tubulus Concentus vs. AQ Diamond. If it doesn’t win, I’ll trade both for AQ Firebird.
Tubulus Concentus i2s (hdmi) clearly superior to AQ DIamond hdmi. (PS Audio sacd transport to PS Audio DAC, all new 09/23/21).
Nice, looks like you have found a good one. I do not think you need to pursue the newer AQ HDMI anymore.
I agree, thanks! Will trade AQ in.
I had the AQ Diamond I2S and its not even close to the Dragon IMO